Meet The Crew: Andrés Castillo, Race Engineer

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Meet The Crew: Andrés Castillo, Race Engineer

TECH TALK

Posted on: 04 July, 2018

Being a Race Engineer is no easy task. There is a lot of work that goes around during a race weekend where the engineer’s involvement is paramount.

In this edition of Meet The Crew, we caught up with Andrés Castillo – Felix Rosenqvist’s Race Engineer who has played a pivotal role in the Swede’s three Formula E victories. In fact, legend has it that Andres often also gives Felix life and relationship advice.

In this interview, Andrés opened up about his career, his role at Mahindra Racing and his interests outside motorsport.

How did you begin your career in motorsport?

After a master’s degree in motorsport, I immediately found a job as a Race Engineer in Spanish single-make and GT championships.

What are your responsibilities between races?

I have to analyse and optimize all subjects around the chassis performance of Felix’s cars. It includes tyre usage, track-time usage, rivals analysis. I also have to decide the full setup of the car for every event.

What are your responsibilities during race weekends?

As a Race Engineer, I have to manage with the time available during sessions. So, I have to coordinate when and how to do tasks coming in from other areas, for instance the simulation or software department.

I also have to make the car as quick as possible for the conditions given: track layout, grip, temperatures, qualifying or race. I’m the one in contact with Felix on the radio to guide him in every area.

Is working with a Formula E team any different from other teams?

It is. The priority to achieve success is quite different.

What is the most challenging thing about working in motorsport?

One is personal life. We have to spend a lot of time away from home. Second is that your job is put in the spotlight every week, every session.

It does not matter if you believe you did your best before a race weekend or between two sessions. If someone does it better, even by a few hundredths of a second, it’s bad. That is the definition of PRESSURE.

What do you enjoy most about working with Mahindra Racing?

Working in Formula E is already a privilege. We are in a very early stage with regards to this technology. When I look back to the car of Season 2, it looks like it was from 1996.

Mahindra is even more special I’ve got to say. We built the team from zero and the atmosphere is great in the garage.

We built the team from zero and the atmosphere is great in the garage.

What is the best thing about your job?

Updating your knowledge every single day of your life is great. The other thing is the adrenaline. You can only feel it in a job like this.

What is the highlight of your career?

Winning in Berlin in 2017 for the first time in an ultra-competitive championship like Formula E. That is the highlight of my career.

What are your interests outside of motorsport?

Mainly outdoor sports: mountain running, alpinism, ski-touring, mountain biking - nothing related to ball sports! I also love food and red wine.

How would you advice someone who wants to do your job one day and work with a racing team?

Specific education. A master’s degree in motorsport is the best way. There are a few; Campos Racing has one of the best ones.

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